World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2013

Proclamation 8995 of June 14, 2013

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

After a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, every
American should be able to enjoy their golden years
with dignity and security. But too often, senior
citizens are the victims of abuse, neglect, or
financial exploitation. Elder abuse is a global public
health problem that affects people of every background
and culture, and while it often occurs in silence, it
takes a devastating toll on millions of older Americans
each year. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we
reaffirm our commitment to ending this crime in all its
forms.

My Administration is a determined advocate for older
Americans. Through the Elder Justice Act, which was
enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, we are
working to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation. States and tribes are investigating risk
factors for abuse and neglect and identifying
strategies to stop it. We convened the Elder Justice
Coordinating Council to better focus prevention efforts
across the Federal Government. We are committed to
combatting exploitation by empowering seniors to meet
financial challenges and helping them avoid scams. And
we continue to pursue a rigorous criminal justice
response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation--one
that holds offenders accountable, gives professionals
meaningful training, and ensures victims get the help
they need.

Older Americans have steered our Nation through times
of hardship and war, and ushered in eras of progress
and prosperity. Today, let us stand up and speak out on
their behalf, and meet our responsibility to show our
elders the care and respect they deserve.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2013, as
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I call upon all
Americans to observe this day by learning the signs of
elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and by raising
awareness about this growing public health issue.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.